Solar air heater

ABSTRACT

A method, system, apparatus, and/or device for preheating air for a rooftop air handling unit (RTU). The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a barrier system configured to surround the RTU. The barrier system may include a structure to provide a frame for the barrier system, a first barrier configured to connect to a first side of the structure, and a collector configured to connect to a second side of the structure. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a duct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber. The method, system, apparatus, and/or device may include a chamber configured to connect to an air intake hood of the RTU. The chamber may include a first opening to receive air stored in the cavity, a second opening to receive external air, and a diverter configured to switch between a first position and a second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/576,503, filed Oct. 24, 2017.

BACKGROUND

Solar collectors may be used to convert solar energy into heat energy.Solar collectors may be used in multiple applications to reduce areliance on fossil fuel powered devices. For example, solar collectorsmay be used in the heating of residential and commercial buildings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be understood more fully from the detaileddescription given below and from the accompanying drawings of variousembodiments of the present embodiment, which, however, are not be takento limit the present embodiment to the specific embodiments, but are forexplanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of a solar air heatingsystem connected to a rooftop air handling unit (RTU), according to anembodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a solar air heating system connectedto an RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side exposed view of the solar air heating system,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2B illustrates the chamber providing air to the RTU from below anair vent or air intake hood of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2C illustrates the chamber providing air to the RTU from above anair vent of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2D illustrates the chamber being partially inserted into an airvent of the RTU, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the structure of the solarair heating system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the structure, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the structure, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a strap to connect the structure to the RTU thesolar air heating system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the structure connected to the RTU,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the barrier system withouta barrier on a side of the barrier system, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed solar air heaters will become better understood throughreview of the following detailed description in conjunction with thefigures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples ofthe various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, andaltered without departing from the scope of the inventions describedherein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications anddesign considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and everycontemplated variation is not individually described in the followingdetailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of solar airheater examples are provided. Related features in the examples may beidentical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake ofbrevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in eachexample. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the readerthat the feature with a related feature name may be similar to therelated feature in an example explained previously. Features specific toa given example will be described in that particular example. The readershould understand that a given feature need not be the same or similarto the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure orexample.

A solar collector may be used as a solar air heater to supply heat toresidential homes and commercial buildings. Conventional solarcollectors may employ a collector plate for converting solar energy intoheat. The collector plate is located inside a housing with alight-transmitting barrier for passing incident solar radiation. Thesolar radiation passes through the barrier and is absorbed by thecollector plate and converted into heat. The converted heat energy maybe transferred to a fluid or air to heat the fluid or air, respectively.The heated fluid or heated air may then be conveyed away for the solarcollector and used to subsequently heat residential homes or commercialbuilding.

Conventionally, the construction of solar air heaters may be expensive.The solar air heaters may be constructed out of metal and may berequired to adhere to regulatory standards. Additionally, conventionalsolar air heaters may be cumbersome to install. For example, mayregulatory standards require equipment screening on the three sides of arooftop air handling unit (RTU) that are not used for solar collection.Additionally, to connect conventional solar air heaters with RTUs mayrequire modifications and alterations to the RTU, which may increase thecost of installation. The modifications may also decrease the efficiencyof the RTU or damage the RTU.

The embodiments described herein may, therefore, include a solar airheat system that may be connected to an RTU to preheat air that is usedby the RTU to heat a building. In one embodiment, the solar air heatermay be configured to reduce a cost on the construction of the solar airheater. In another embodiment, the solar air heater may be configured toconnect to the RTU without modifying or altering the RTU.

FIG. 1A illustrates a side perspective view of a solar air heatingsystem 100 connected to a rooftop air handling unit (RTU) 102, accordingto an embodiment. The solar air heating system 100 may include a chamber104, an air duct 106, and a barrier system 108. The chamber 104 may beconnected to the RTU 102.

The RTU 102 may be an air handling unit (AHU) that regulates andcirculates air as part of a heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning(HVAC) system. The RTU 102 may be a relatively large metal box thatincludes blowers, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers,sound attenuators, or dampers. The RTU 102 may connect to a ductworkventilation system that distributes the conditioned air through aresidence or commercial building.

The chamber 104 pre-heats air to provide pre-heated air to the RTU 102for circulation in a residence or commercial building. The barriersystem 108 may provide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict anindividual from unintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU102. The barrier system 108 may include a structure 110 and one or morebarriers, such as barriers 112 a-112 d. The barriers 112 a-112 d mayinclude a fabric material. In one embodiment, the fabric material of oneor more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be a woven polypropylenematerial. In another embodiment, the fabric material of one or more ofbarriers the 112 a-112 d may be a cotton material, a silk material, alinen material, a wool material, a leather material, a hemp material,and so forth. In another embodiment, the fabric material of one or moreof the barriers 112 a-112 d may be fire-retardant material. In anotherembodiment, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112 a-112d may be porous to allow for movement of air through the material. Inanother example, the fabric material of one or more of the barriers 112a-112 d may be fire-rated, porous woven black fabric or perforated blackfabric allowing a designated quantity of air to flow through it at aspecific pressure drop. In another embodiment, the fabric material ofone or more of the barriers 112 a-112 d may be porous to allow wind tomove through the fabric material to reduce or substantially eliminate awind load on the barrier system 108 so that increased winds may not liftor move the barrier system 108.

In one embodiment, an air duct 106 may connect one of the barriers 112a-112 d to the chamber 104 so that the chamber 104 may receivepre-heated air before providing the air to the RTU 102. For example,outside air may pass through the barrier 112 a via the air duct 106 tothe chamber 104. In one example, the fabric material of the barrier 112a may be porous to allow air to move through the fabric material intothe chamber 104. In another example, the air duct 106 may be a flexibleair duct. In another example, the air duct 106 may be an insulatedconduit between the barrier 112 a and the chamber 104.

In another embodiment, the chamber 104 may be a plenum. The plenum maybe a container or structure with an air-filled space that receives airfrom through one of the barriers 112 a-112 d. For example, the plenummay be connected to the barrier 112 a. As the air moves through thebarrier 112 a, the plenum may receive the air. In another embodiment, afan of the RTU 102 may pull in outside air through the chamber 104.

In one embodiment, one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 b may be adark-colored material that may capture solar energy and convert thesolar energy into heat energy. For example, the barrier 112 a mayinclude a black fabric material that heats up when bombarded by solarenergy. In this example, the barrier 112 a may be a transpired solarcollector where the fabric heats up air as it passes through the fabric.In another example, the barrier 112 a may include a cavity to store theheated air. The heated air may flow from the cavity of the barrier 112 ato the chamber 104, where the chamber 104 may further heat the air thatis provided to the RTU 102. The barrier 112 a may include the fabricmaterial to provide a sufficient surface area to absorb solar energy asheat and then transfer that heat to air as the air passes through thefabric material to the chamber 104. In another embodiment, the chamber104 may include a fan to pull air through the barrier 112 a and/or theair duct 106.

In another embodiment, one or more of the barriers 112 a-112 d mayinclude plastic material, metal material, or other material that mayheat up when bombarded by solar energy. In another example, the barrier112 a may include an absorber plate that heats up when bombarded bysolar energy. As the absorber plate heats up, at least a portion of theheat radiates from the absorber plate into the air and increases thetemperature of the air as the air passes through the fabric material tothe chamber 104. In another embodiment, the barriers 112 a-112 d mayinclude the fabric material, the plastic material, the metal material,and/or the other material to heat up air surrounding the outside of thechamber 104 and/or the RTU 102. In one example, each of the barriers 112a-112 d may include black fabric material that may absorb solar energyand convert the solar energy into heat. The heat from the fabricmaterial may increase a temperature of the air in a cavity or spacewithin the barriers 112 a-112 d. The heated air in the cavity or spacemay increase a temperature of the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 suchthat thermal energy from the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 may notradiate from the chamber 104 and/or the RTU 102 and will remain at thechamber 104 and/or the RTU 102.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a solar air heating system 100connected to the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of thefeatures in FIG. 1B are the same or similar to some of the features inFIG. 1A as noted by same reference numbers, unless expressly describedotherwise. As discussed above, the solar air heating system 100 mayinclude a chamber 104 to preheat air and/or provided the air to the RTU102. As further discussed above, an air duct 106 may connect the chamber104 to one of the barriers 112 a-112 d, such as barrier 112 a. In oneembodiment, the barrier 112 a or at least a portion of the barrier 112 amay include an air collector 114.

The air collector 114 may be a container that captures or stores aportion of air that passes through an exterior portion of the barrier112 a. The air collector 114 may include material that allows for air topass from outside the air collector 114 into a cavity of the aircollector 114. The air collector 114 may then heat the air within thecavity. In one embodiment, the air collector 114 may include materialthat may convert solar energy into thermal energy. For example, the aircollector 114 may include black fabric material that may absorb lightenergy or solar energy from the sun and convert the light energy orsolar energy into thermal energy or heat. The thermal energy may thenradiate from the black fabric material and heat the air stored in thecavity of the air collector 114. In another embodiment, the aircollector 114 may include a first material at a front of the barrier 112a that is porous to allow the air to enter the cavity and a secondmaterial that may capture the air to heat or increase the temperature ofthe air as the thermal energy is transferred from the first material tothe air.

As the air is heated in the cavity of the air collector 114, the air maythen be transferred from the cavity of the air collector 114 to thechamber 104 via the air duct 106. As discussed above, the chamber 104may further increase the temperature of the air within the chamber 104.As further discussed below, the chamber 104 may be configured to have anopen position that allows the preheated air to be transferred from thechamber 104 to the RTU 102 and a closed position that allows outside orexternal air to be directed to the RTU 102.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side exposed view of the solar air heating system100, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2A are thesame or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-1B as noted by samereference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise.

The chamber 104 may include a diverter 216, a motor 218, and an externalair opening 220. In one example, the chamber 104 may be a container,such as a box or a plenum, that is connected to the air duct 106. Asdiscussed above, the chamber 104 may receive heated air via an openingconnected to the air duct 106. A portion of the chamber 104 may alsoinclude an external air opening 220 that may provide an opening for thechamber 104 to receive non-preheated air from the external or outsideenvironment. In one embodiment, the cavity of the chamber 104 mayinclude a first portion 226 and a second portion 228.

The first portion 226 may include an opening connected to the air duct106 to receive the preheated air. The preheated air may be stored orcontained within the first portion of the cavity. The second portion 228may include the external air opening 220 to receive external air.

In one embodiment, the chamber 104 may include the diverter 216connected to the motor 218 within the cavity of the chamber 104. Themotor 218 may be configured to rotate the diverter 216 between anoutside air configuration 222 and a preheated air configuration 224. Inone embodiment, the diverter 216 may be a hinged flap. In anotherembodiment, the diverter 216 may be a polycarbonate sheet or sheetmetal. In another embodiment, the motor 218 may rotate the diverter 216between a first position for the outside air configuration 222 and asecond position for the preheated air configuration 224. In one example,the first position may be a vertical position where the diverter 216 isat a 90-degree angle relative to a bottom of the chamber 104. When thediverter 216 is in the first position, the diverter 216 may form abarrier or a wall between the first portion 226 of the cavity of thechamber 104 and the second portion 228 of the cavity of the chamber 104.When the diverter 216 is in the first position, the chamber 104 maydirect air external to the chamber 104 to an opening 229 of the chamber104 that is at a top of the second portion 228 that abuts an air intakeof the RTU 102.

In another example, the second position may be a vertical position wherethe diverter 216 is coplanar or horizontal relative to a bottom of thechamber 104. When the diverter 216 is in the second position, thediverter 216 may form a barrier or a wall over the external air opening220 such that external air may not enter the cavity of the chamber 104and may not be directed to the RTU 102. When the diverter 216 is in thesecond position, the preheated air stored in the cavity of the chamber104 may be directed via the opening 229 to the RTU 102 to provide theRTU 102 with air that has a temperature higher the temperature of theexternal air.

The motor 218 may switch the diverter between the outside airconfiguration 222 and the pre-heated air configuration 224 based on anoutside temperature approximate to the chamber 104. In one embodiment,when the outside temperature is below a threshold temperature level, themotor 218 may rotate the diverter 216 to be in the preheated airconfiguration 224 so that the chamber 104 provides air via the opening229 to the RTU 102 that has been preheated by the collector 112 and/orthe chamber 104. The chamber 104 may provide the RTU 102 with pre-heatedair to reduce the amount of energy the RTU 102 uses to heat the air to athreshold level prior to circulating the air into a residence orcommercial building. When the outside temperature is equal to or exceedthe threshold temperature level, the motor 218 may rotate the diverter216 to the vertical position to block the air in the first portion 226of the chamber from being provided to the RTU 102 and allow the air fromthe external air opening 220 to be provided to the RTU 102 via thechamber 104.

In one embodiment, the threshold temperature level may be set as astandard temperature level for air supplied to the RTU 102. For example,the RTU 102 may require that the temperature of the air provided to theRTU be at least 57 degrees Fahrenheit (F.). When the outside air isbelow 57° F., the chamber 104 may provide preheated air that is at least57° F. When the outside air is equal to or exceeds 57° F., the chamber104 may provide outside air to the RTU 102.

In one example, when the external or outside air temperature is at least57° F., the motor 218 may be energized or engaged to start pushing apiston that pushes the diverter 216 upward and by the time the outsideair temperature is 60° F. the motor 218 may fully extend the piston toclose off the air flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104.When the air flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104 isclosed off, the external air opening 220 may be fully opened to theexternal air such that the RTU 102 receives the external air from thechamber 104.

In another example, when the external or outside air temperature is atbelow 57° F. the motor 218 may be energized or engaged to start to pullthe piston that pulls the diverter 216 upward or backward to open theair flow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104. When the airflow from the first portion 226 of the chamber 104 is open, the externalair opening 220 may be closed off such that the RTU 102 receives thepreheated air from the chamber 104. The motor 218 may keep the diverter216 in the same position until the outside temperature changes frombelow the threshold temperature to above the threshold temperature orvise versa.

In one embodiment, the motor 218 may be a wax motor. The wax motor maybe a linear actuator device that converts thermal energy into mechanicalenergy using a phase-changing wax to actuate the motor 218. For example,as wax melts, the wax may contract in volume and as the wax solidifiesthe wax may expand in volume. As the wax contracts or expands, thecontraction or expansion may actuate the motor 218 to switch thepositions of the diverter 216. When the motor 218 is a wax motor, thechamber 104 may not use electricity to actuate the motor to switch thepositions of the diverter 216. In another embodiment, the motor 218 maybe an electric motor, a gas motor, or a solar-powered motor and may useelectricity or another source of power to actuate the motor 218 toswitch the positions of the diverter 216. In one example, as the waxcontracts the motor 218 may pull the diverter 216 into the firstposition 226 and when the wax expands the motor 218 may push thediverter 216 into the second position 228, or vise versa.

FIG. 2B illustrates the chamber 104 providing air to the RTU 102 frombelow an air intake or air intake hood 230 of the RTU 102, according toan embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 2B are the same or similarto some of the features in FIGS. 1A-2B as noted by same referencenumbers, unless expressly described otherwise. In one embodiment, thechamber 104 may be connected to the RTU 102 with fasteners. Thefasteners may include straps, bolts, epoxy, and so forth. In anotherembodiment, the chamber 104 may be placed below the air intake 230 ofthe RTU 102 such that while the opening 229 of the chamber 104 is notphysically connected to the air intake 230, the chamber 104 ispositioned under the air intake 230 so that as the RTU 102 pulls air inair from the air intake 230, the air will be pulled from the chamber 104via the opening 229. In one example, a height of the chamber 104 may beadjusted to fit beneath the RTU 102 so that when a fan of the RTU 102pulls air from the outside to circulate new air into a residence orbuilding, the RTU 102 may pull the air from the opening 229 of thechamber 104.

In another embodiment, a support structure 232 that supports the chamber104 may be located beneath the chamber 104. When the chamber 104 isconnected to the RTU 102 or positioned approximate the RTU 102, thechamber 104 may be placed or positioned against the RTU 102 so that theopening 229 of the chamber 104 is located underneath the air intake 230of the RTU 102.

In one embodiment, the support structure 232 of the chamber 104 mayinclude legs that may be adjusted so that the opening 229 of the chamber104 abuts the bottom of the air intake 230 of the RTU 102. Once theadjustable legs of the support structure 232 have been adjusted, theadjustable legs may be secured a roof that the RTU 102 rests on, such asby screwing the adjustable legs of the support structure 232 to theroof. In one example, the chamber 104 may be adjusted to slope down at adownward angle or up at an upward angle so that water may flow off a topof the chamber 104. To adjust the upward or downward angle of thechamber 104, one or more adjustable legs of the support structure 232may be raised or lowered in height.

In another example, to access the bottom of the air intake 230 of theRTU 102, the chamber 104 may be removed from the support structure 232,such as unscrewing or unfastening the chamber 104 from the supportstructure 232 and removing the chamber 104. When the chamber 104 hasbeen removed from the support structure 232, an individual may access abottom of the air intake 230.

FIG. 2C illustrates the chamber 104 providing air to the RTU 102 fromabove an air vent 234 of the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Someof the features in FIG. 2C are the same or similar to some of thefeatures in FIGS. 1A-2B as noted by same reference numbers, unlessexpressly described otherwise. The configuration of the RTU 102 may varybased on the type of building the RTU 102 is connected to and/or thetype of ventilation system of the building that the RTU 102 is connectedto. As discussed in FIG. 2B, the RTU 102 may include an air intake 230that is facing downward with an opening of the air intake 230 that opensat a bottom of the air intake 230. In another embodiment, the RTU 102may include an air vent 234 that faces upward with an opening at the topof the air vent 234. In this embodiment, the chamber 104 may bepositioned such that the opening 229 of the chamber 104 may facedownward toward the opening at the top of the air vent 234. When thechamber 104 is positioned above the top of the air vent 234, the chamber104 may be supported by a support structure 236 with one or moreadjustable legs. In one example, the support structure 236 may fullysupport the chamber 104. In another example, at least a portion of thechamber 104 may be supported by the air vent 234. For example, a frontportion of the chamber 104 may rest on a top of the air vent 234.

FIG. 2D illustrates the chamber 104 being partially inserted into an airvent 238 of the RTU 102, according to an embodiment. Some of thefeatures in FIG. 2D are the same or similar to some of the features inFIGS. 1A-2C as noted by same reference numbers, unless expresslydescribed otherwise. As discussed above, the configuration of the RTU102 may vary based on the type of building the RTU 102 is connected toand/or the type of ventilation system of the building that the RTU 102is connected to. In one embodiment, the RTU 102 may include an air vent238 that extends outward from a side of the RTU 102. In this embodiment,the chamber 104 may be at least partially be inserted into an opening atan end of the air vent 238. For example, an end of the chamber 104 withthe opening 229 may be positioned at least partially within the openingof the air vent 238. In another embodiment, when the chamber 104 isinserted at least partially into the air vent 238, the air vent 238 maysupport the chamber 104. For example, the chamber 104 may be slightlysmaller (such as 1 millimeter to 25 millimeters smaller) than a cavityof the air vent 238 such that the chamber 104 may rest within the cavityof the air vent 238 and be supported by the air vent 238.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of the structure 110 of thesolar air heating system 100, according to an embodiment. Some of thefeatures in FIG. 3A are the same or similar to some of the features inFIGS. 1A-2D as noted by same reference numbers, unless expresslydescribed otherwise. As discussed above, the barrier system 108 mayprovide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict an individual fromunintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU 102 in FIG. 1A.The barrier system 108 may include the structure 110 that one or morebarriers 112 a-112 d may be attached to. The structure 110 may includeone or more sub-structures. The number, configuration, and dimension ofthe sub-structures of the structure 110 discussed below are not intendedto be limiting but rather provide examples of the sub-structures of thestructure 110.

In one embodiment, the structure 110 may include sub-structures 340 a,340 b, 340 c, and 340 d. The sub-structures 340 a, 340 b, 340 c, and 340d may have the same configuration. While sub-structure 340 a isdiscussed below, sub-structures 340 b, 340 c, and 340 d may have thesame configuration and/or components and are not discussed separately.

The sub-structure 340 a may include a base support 342, side supports344 a and 344 b, cross supports 346 a-346 d, and a top support 348. Inone embodiment, the base support 342 may extend horizontally along afirst plane 350 and the top support 348 may extend horizontally along asecond plane 352. The first side support 344 a may be connected to afirst end of the base support 342 and extend from the first plane 350upwardly to the second plane 352. The second side support 344 b may beconnected to a second end of the base support 342 and extend from thefirst plane 350 upwardly to the second plane 352. In one embodiment, thebase support 342 and the top support 348 may be the same length suchthat the base support 342, the top support 348, the first side support344 a, and the second side support 344 b form a square or a rectangleshaped frame. In another embodiment, the base support 342 and the topsupport 348 may be different lengths such that the base support 342, thetop support 348, the first side support 344 a, and the second sidesupport 344 b form a trapezoid shaped frame.

In another embodiment, the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend betweenthe base support 342 and the top support 348 within the perimeter of theframe formed by the base support 342, the top support 348, the firstside support 344 a, and the second side support 344 b. In one example,one or more of the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend perpendicularlyfrom the base support 342 and the top support 348. In another example,one or more of the cross supports 346 a-346 d may extend at an anglefrom the base support 342 and the top support 348. The cross supports346 a-346 d reinforce the sub-structure 340 a in which the crosssupports 346 a-346 d are support braces or intersecting braces that mayincrease a structural integrity and rigidity of the sub-structure 340 a.The number of cross supports for the sub-structure 340 a is not intendedto be limiting. For example, the sub-structure 340 a may include asingle cross support or multiple cross supports. As discussed above, thesub-structure 340 a may support the air collector 114 in FIG. 1B and/orthe barrier 112 a.

In another embodiment, the sub-structures 340 a-340 d may beinterconnected to form the structure 110. In one example, thesub-structures 340 a-340 d may be connected at the side supports 344 aand/or 344 b. For example, the side support 344 a of sub-structure 340 amay be connected to the side support of the sub-structure 340 d and theside support 344 b of sub-structure 340 b may be connected to a sidesupport of sub-structure 340 b. The sub-structures 340 b-340 d may besimilarly interconnected. In one example, one or more of thesub-structures 340 a-340 d may be positioned perpendicularly orvertically relative to the ground or a floor. In one example, one ormore of the sub-structures 340 a-340 d may be positioned at an anglerelative to the ground or a floor. The angle may be between 1 degree and89 degrees or 91 degrees and 179 degrees. In one embodiment, the firstsub-structure 340 a and the third sub-structure 340 c may be angledinward toward an RTU and the second sub-structure 340 b and the fourthsub-structure 340 d may be perpendicular relative to the ground or floorsuch that the second sub-structure 340 b and the fourth sub-structure340 d extend upwardly at the same angle as the RTU. In anotherembodiment, the sub-structure 340 a-340 d may be perpendicular relativeto the ground or floor to form a square structure.

In one embodiment, one or more sections of the sub-structure 340 a maybe adjustable in width and/or height. For example, the base support 342,the top support 348, the first side support 344 a, the second sidesupport 344 b, and/or the cross supports 346 a-346 d may be adjustablein length. In another example, the sub-structure 340 a may be adjustedalong a lateral plane to move right or left to avoid obstacles. Forexample, the sub-structure 340 a may be adjusted laterally to move thesub-structure 340 a along the lateral plane. In one example, thesub-structure 340 a may include an adjuster to adjust a height and/orlength of the sub-structure 340 a. In one example, the adjuster mayinclude a first pipe or beam with a first diameter at least partiallyinserting into a second pipe or beam with a second diameter. In thisexample, when the amount that the first pipe or beam is inserted intothe second pipe or beam is a defined amount to adjust the sub-structure340 a to a desired height and/or length, a fastener may be adjusted tokeep maintain the amount the first pipe or beam is inserted. Thefastener may be screws, push buttons, and so forth to secure the firstpipe or beam to the second pipe or beam.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the structure 110, according to anembodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3B are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIG. 1A-3A as noted by same reference numbers,unless expressly described otherwise. The structure 110 may includefooting to support the sub-structures 340 a-340 d. In one embodiment,the sub-structure 340 a may include a first support beam 354 a and afirst footing 356 a to connect to the first side support 344 a and/orthe base support 342. The first support beam 354 a and the first footing356 a may support a first side of the sub-structure 340 a. In anotherembodiment, the sub-structure 340 b may include a second support beam354 b and the second footing 356 b to connect to the second side support344 b and/or the base support 342. The second support beam 354 b and thesecond footing 356 b may support a second side of the sub-structure 340a.

In one embodiment, the first footing 356 a and/or the second footing 356b may be a pipe, a beam, a board, and so forth. In one example, thefirst footing 356 a and/or the second footing 356 b may be a 4×6 treatedtimber that are lagged into a curb of the RTU 102 or the ground, afloor, or a roof of a building. The first footing 356 a and the secondfooting 356 b may extend out past the RTU 102 in both directions, suchas extending approximately 7 feet. The second sub-structure 340 b, thethird sub-structure 340 c, and/or the fourth sub-structure 340 d mayinclude similar support beams and footings. In one example, thestructure 110 may include a support beam and a footing at each corner atthe bottom of the structure 110. In one embodiment, a length of thefooting may vary to disperse a weight of the solar air heating system100, as shown in FIG. 1A. In one example, a structural or buildingrequirement may define an amount of weight that may be applied to a roofof a building over a defined area of the roof. In this example, thelength of one or more of the footings may be increased or decrease todisperse the weight of the solar air heating system 100 according to thestructural or building requirement.

FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the structure 110, according to anembodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 3C are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIGS. 1A-3B as noted by same reference numbers,unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the structure110 may include footings to support the structure 110 and fasten thestructure 110 to the ground or a floor of a roof. In one embodiment, thestructure may include a first footing 356 a at a first corner of thestructure 110, a second footing 356 b at a second corner of thestructure 110, a third footing 356 c at a third corner of the structure110, and a fourth footing 356 d at a fourth corner of the structure 110.The first footing 356 a, the second footing 356 b, the third footing 356c, and the fourth footing 356 d may support the structure 110 and maydisperse the weight of the structure 110 across a portion of the groundor the floor of a roof. The structure 110 may provide a frame to holdthe barriers 112 a-112 d to provide a visual boundary or barrier torestrict an individual from unintentionally accessing the RTU 102.

FIG. 4A illustrates a strap 450 to connect the structure 110 to the RTU102 of the solar air heating system 100, according to an embodiment.Some of the features in FIG. 4A are the same or similar to some of thefeatures in FIGS. 1A-3C as noted by same reference numbers, unlessexpressly described otherwise. In one embodiment, the strap 450 may beconnected to the RTU 102 by extending around a perimeter of the RTU 102.In one example, as the size and circumference of the perimeter of theRTU 102 may vary, the strap 450 may include an adjuster 452 to increaseor decrease a circumference of the strap 450.

In one embodiment, the strap 450 may be a metal strap that extendsaround a perimeter of a top portion of the RTU 102. The adjuster 452 maybe a bolt that connects a first end of the strap 450 to a second end ofthe strap 450. A nut may be located on one end or both ends of the bolt.As the bolt is fastened or tightened, the circumference of the strap 450may be reduced and as the bolt is unfastened or untightened, thecircumference of the strap 450 may be increased. In another embodiment,the strap 450 may be a tie down strap and the adjuster 452 may be aratchet to adjust a size of the circumference of the strap 450. Inanother embodiment, the strap 450 may be a strip of material and theadjuster 452 may be a buckle to adjust a length of the strap 450.

In another embodiment, the structure 110 may include one or moreconnector beams 454 a-454 d to connect the structure 110 to the RTU 102via the strap 450. In one example, a first connector beam 454 a mayconnect to a top beam 348 a for the first sub-structure 340 a. The firstconnector beam 454 a may extend from the first top beam 348 a to a firstside of the strap 450 to fasten the first top beam 348 a to the strap450. In another example, a second connector beam 454 b may connect to asecond top beam 348 b for the second sub-structure 340 b. The secondconnector beam 454 b may extend from the second top beam 348 b to asecond side of the strap 450 to fasten the second top beam 348 b to thestrap 450. In another example, a third connector beam 454 c may connectto a third top beam 348 c for the third sub-structure 340 c. The thirdconnector beam 454 c may extend from the third top beam 348 c to a thirdside of the strap 450 to fasten the third top beam 348 c to the strap450. In another example, a fourth connector beam 454 d may connect to afourth top beam 348 d for the fourth sub-structure 340 d. The fourthconnector beam 454 d may extend from the fourth top beam 348 d to afourth side of the strap 450 to fasten the fourth top beam 348 d to thestrap 450.

The first connector beam 454 a, the second connector beam 454 b, thethird connector beam 454 c, and/or the fourth connector beam 454 d mayfasten to the top beams 348 a-348 d and the sides of the strap 450,respectively, by a fastener. The fastener may be a nut and bolt, epoxy,a loop and hook, and so forth. A number of the connector beams is notintended to be limiting. The solar air heating system 100 may include asingle connector beam or multiple connector beams.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the structure 110 connected to the RTU102, according to an embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 4B are thesame or similar to some of the features in FIGS. 1A-4A as noted by samereference numbers, unless expressly described otherwise. As discussedabove, the connector beams 454 a-454 d may connect the top beams 348a-348 d to the strap 450, respectively. Connecting the top beams 348a-348 d to the strap 450 may secure the structure 110 to the RTU 102.When winds blow across the solar air heating system 100, the secureconnection of the structure 110 to the RTU 102 may reduce or eliminatethe movement of the structure 110 by the wind. Additionally, the secureconnection may reduce or eliminate the structure 110 being accidentallymoved when an individual bumps into the structure 110.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the barrier system 108without a barrier on a side 556 of the barrier system 108, according toan embodiment. Some of the features in FIG. 5 are the same or similar tosome of the features in FIGS. 1A-4B as noted by same reference numbers,unless expressly described otherwise. As discussed above, the barriersystem 108 may provide a visual boundary or barrier to restrict anindividual from unintentionally accessing the chamber 104 and the RTU102. In one embodiment, the RTU 102 may be located against orapproximate another structure, such as a wall, a door, an edge of aroof, or a relatively large object. When the RTU 102 is located againstor approximate the other structure, the barrier system 108 may notinclude a barrier on the side of the barrier system 108 that faces theother structure. In one embodiment, when the side 556 of the barriersystem 108 is located against or approximate a wall, the barrier system108 may not include a barrier on side 556. For example, when the side556 corresponds with the side where barrier 112 c is located in FIG. 1A,the barrier system 108 may not include the barrier 112 c as part of thebarrier system 108. In one example, eliminating the barrier 112 c fromthe barrier system 108 may reduce a weight of the solar air heatingsystem 100. In another example, eliminating the barrier 112 c from thebarrier system 108 may reduce a surface area of the barrier system 108that may be caught by wind and move or damage the solar air heatingsystem 100.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct embodiments withindependent utility. While each of these embodiments has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the embodiments includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such embodiments.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsare to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed embodiments that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Embodiments embodied in othercombinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elementsand/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present application or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same embodiment or a different embodiment and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

1. A device comprising: a barrier system configured to surround arooftop air handling unit (RTU), wherein the barrier system comprises: astructure to provide a frame for the barrier system; a first barrierconfigured to connect to a first side of the structure; a second barrierconfigured to connect to a second side of the structure; a third barrierconfigured to connect to a third side of the structure; a collectorconfigured to connect to a fourth side of the structure, the collectorcomprising a cavity configured to store air, wherein the collectorincludes a material to convert solar energy into thermal energy andtransfer the thermal energy to the air stored within the cavity; an airduct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber; and thechamber located within the barrier system and configured to connect toan air intake of the RTU, the chamber comprising: a first opening toreceive the air stored in the cavity of the collector; a second openingto receive external air; a diverter configured to switch between a firstposition to direct the air from the cavity of the collector to an airintake hood of the RTU and a second position to direct the external airto the air intake hood of the RTU; and a motor configured to switch thediverter between the first position and the second position.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to fit beneath theair intake hood of the RTU.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein thechamber further comprises a support structure that supports the chamber,wherein the support structure is located beneath the chamber and isconfigured to adjust a height of the chamber to fit beneath the airintake hood.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configuredto above the air intake hood of the RTU.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the chamber is configured to be at least partially inserted intoan opening of the air intake hood of the RTU.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein the motor is configured to switch the diverter from the firstposition to the second position when an external temperature exceeds atemperature level.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the motor is a waxmotor comprising a linear actuator device that converts thermal energyinto mechanical energy using a phase-changing wax.
 8. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the material of the collector is a black fabricmaterial that heats up when bombarded by solar energy.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein: the first side of the structure comprises a firstsub-structure that includes a first base support, a first side support,a second side support, and a first top support to form a first frame;the second side of the structure comprises a second sub-structure thatincludes a second base support, a third side support, a fourth sidesupport, and a second top support to form a second frame; the third sideof the structure comprises a third sub-structure that includes a thirdbase support, a fifth side support, a sixth side support, and a thirdtop support to form a third frame; and the fourth side of the structurecomprises a fourth sub-structure that includes a fourth base support, aseventh side support, a eighth side support, and a fourth top support toform a fourth frame.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein: the firstsub-structure comprises a first cross support extending between thefirst base support and the first top support within a perimeter of thefirst frame; the second sub-structure comprises a second cross supportextending between the second base support and the second top supportwithin a perimeter of the second frame; the third sub-structurecomprises a third cross support extending between the third base supportand the third top support within a perimeter of the third frame; and thefourth sub-structure comprises a fourth cross support extending betweenthe fourth base support and the fourth top support within a perimeter ofthe fourth frame.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein: the first crosssupport extends at an angle from the first base support and the firsttop support to reinforce a structural integrity of the firstsub-structure; the second cross support extends at the angle from thesecond base support and the second top support to reinforce a structuralintegrity of the second sub-structure; the third cross support extendsat the angle from the third base support and the third top support toreinforce a structural integrity of the third sub-structure; and thefourth cross support extends at the angle from the fourth base supportand the fourth top support to reinforce a structural integrity of thefourth sub-structure.
 12. The device of claim 9, further comprising: afirst support beam to connect to a bottom corner of the firstsub-structure and the second sub-structure; a first footing to connectto a bottom of the first support beam; a second support beam to connectto a bottom corner of the second sub-structure and the thirdsub-structure; a second footing to connect to a bottom of the secondsupport beam; a third support beam to connect to a bottom corner of thethird sub-structure and the fourth sub-structure; a third footing toconnect to a bottom of the third support beam; a fourth support beam toconnect to a bottom corner of the fourth sub-structure and the firstsub-structure; and a fourth footing to connect to a bottom of the fourthsupport beam.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein: the first footing isadjustable in length to distribute a weight of the barrier system basedon a regulatory standard for the weight of the barrier system on a roofof a building; the second footing is adjustable in length to distributethe weight of the barrier system based on the regulatory standard forthe weight of the barrier system on the roof of the building; the thirdfooting is adjustable in length to distribute the weight of the barriersystem based on the regulatory standard for the weight of the barriersystem on the roof of the building; and the fourth footing is adjustablein length to distribute the weight of the barrier system based on theregulatory standard for the weight of the barrier system on the roof ofthe building.
 14. A system comprising: a rooftop air handling unit (RTU)configured to provide air to a building; a barrier system configured tosurround the RTU, wherein the barrier system comprises: a structure toprovide a frame for the barrier system; a first barrier configured toconnect to a first side of the structure; a collector configured toconnect to a second side of the structure, the collector comprising acavity configured to store air; a duct configured to connect between thecollector and a chamber; and the chamber located configured to connectto an air intake hood of the RTU, the chamber comprising: a firstopening to receive the air stored in the cavity of the collector; asecond opening to receive external air; and a diverter configured toswitch between a first position to direct the air from the cavity of thecollector to an air intake hood of the RTU and a second position todirect the external air to the air intake hood of the RTU.
 15. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the barrier system further comprises: asecond barrier configured to connect to a third side of the structure;and a third barrier configured to connect to a fourth side of thestructure.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the chamber furthercomprises a motor configured to switch the diverter between the firstposition and the second position.
 17. The system of claim 14, whereinthe collector includes a material to convert solar energy into thermalenergy and transfer the thermal energy to the air stored within thecavity.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the chamber is located in anarea within the barrier system.
 19. An apparatus comprising: a barriersystem configured to surround a rooftop air handling unit (RTU), whereinthe barrier system comprises: a structure to provide a frame for thebarrier system; a barrier configured to connect to a first side of thestructure; a collector configured to connect to a second side of thestructure, the collector comprising a cavity configured to store air, aduct configured to connect between the collector and a chamber; and thechamber located within the barrier system and configured to connect toan intake hood of the RTU, the chamber comprising: a first opening toreceive the air stored in the cavity of the collector; a second openingto receive external air; and a diverter configured to switch between afirst position to direct the air from the cavity of the collector to anair intake hood of the RTU and a second position to direct the externalair to the air intake hood of the RTU.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19,wherein the collector includes a material to convert solar energy intothermal energy and transfer the thermal energy to the air stored withinthe cavity.